The Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, could never be complete without a category that recognises the superb flavours of Saudi Arabia. We always celebrate the mouth-watering, diverse cuisine of the Kingdom, and are taking a special moment for the very best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh.
The Saudi capital showcases dishes from all over the Kingdom, further highlighting the spectrum of different Saudi food experiences available to diners in Riyadh right now. It’s something we’re very proud to honour. We also know that everyone has an opinion on the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh because there are many top contenders.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
We cannot hold you in suspense any longer. Presenting the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
Suhail
Suhail is synonymous with Saudi cuisine. Whether you’re familiar with signature flavours of the Kingdom or are looking for a very moreish introduction, the An Nakheel venue has you covered. The eatery serves traditional home-style food in an elevated-but-approachable way. And it has Saudi hospitality in spades.
As the restaurant explains, “Suhail” is the name of Arabs’ most famous and brightest shining star, and this is one spot that shines bright, and shows no signs of fading. Just ask happy patrons at the Best Saudi Restaurants in Riyadh winner.
An Nakheel, suhailrestaurant.com (92 000 2690)
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Najd Village
After the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh to get a taste of local flavours and Saudi hospitality and the Kingdom’s rich heritage? Enter Najd Village. No, really, go to the restaurant now. The eatery prides itself on serving authentic Saudi dishes, specifically Najd cuisine, in a traditional setting. There are locations across the capital. Whether you’re a local, new resident or just visiting, it’s a dining experience with a difference.
Alyasmin, najdvillage.com (92 003 3511).
Takya
Take yourself and your friends and family to Takya for terrific Saudi flavours today. It is one of the top places for Saudi food in Riyadh. It’s dedicated to sharing traditional dishes of the Kingdom, but with a modern twist. You could even call it Saudi fusion cuisine. The key takeaway is that you’re getting top local flavours, superb hospitality and one-of-a-kind at great prices. Given this is one of the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh, it’s even better.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/takya_sa (055 040 2000).
SHORTLISTED
Al Saeed Restaurant
Don’t let the unassuming exteriors of this local neighbourhood joint fool you – Al Saeed does some of the best zurbian in the city. Think a South Asian biryani with a Saudi twist, chefs breed sheep locally to produce this mutton and rice feast, which has diners queuing out the door. Its efforts most certainly haven’t gone unnoticed by both locals and expats alike, who regularly laud this as one of the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh. We agree.
Al Anwar (011 495 6009).
Al Saudi
Any restaurant specialising in delicious kabsa gets a gold star in our books, and this long-standing joint in Dhahrat Laban delivers the goods in a casual space that has stayed true to its culinary roots since 1994. Mandi, madhbi, madfoon and zurbian also grace the menu, and whatever you choose we can guarantee you’ll leave with very happy bellies. Isn’t that what a great Middle Eastern meal is all about after all?
Dhahrat Laban, alsaudi.sa (92 000 9515).
Cabrito
Looking to really immerse yourself in Saudi through its cuisine? Look no further than Cabrito. Bringing the country’s most-loved dishes to the masses, rice dishes are the specialty here, particularly its namesake cabrito rice – for those who don’t know, it’s the name in both Spanish and Portuguese for roast kid goat. The chicken madfoon, faham, mandi and kunafah plates are also particularly pleasing to the palette – just be sure to save room for dessert.
Salahuddin (011 200 7070).
Hamsa W Taghmeesa
Perhaps the most picture-perfect spot on the list, Hamsa W Taghmeesa cooks up a killer Saudi breakfast amidst its twinkling fairy lights. Not only does it serve up three types of kebdah, foul and shakshouka, but there’s also fried halloumi, mixed hummus, eggplant stew and an incredibly indulgent eggs with four cheese dish that make for the perfect way to start your day. Top it off with a karak and you’re good to go. Of course, we understand if you don’t want to leave another one of the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh too soon.
At Taawun, instagram.com/hamsawtaghmeesa (050 679 0666).
Maqloba
Saudi fast food at its finest, head to Maqloba if you’re in a rush but don’t fancy sacrificing on quality. As you might have guessed by the name Maqloba is the star of the show. It’s a traditional dish consisting of meat, rice and fried vegetables placed in a pot which is flipped upside down when served. Can’t choose? The chicken number comes up tops. You’d be hard pushed to find a more filling feed for better prices.
Ar Rayyan, maqloba.com (055 484 8495).
Tameesa
A family-friendly joint that’s as pleasing as the eye as it is on the stomach, the interiors at Tameesa are absolutely spot on, and we recommend bringing the whole family to one of the best Saudi restaurants in Riyadh. Start off your food journey with the Saudi breakfast at excellent prices. Chefs serve up classics like foul, falafel, shakshouka, sambosas and kebdah, which are all served in perfect proportions for sharing. We won’t blame you if you’d rather not, though.
Alyasmin, instagram.com/tameesa_sa (800 124 6004).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
